Did any of you get butterflies on your first solo?

Yup. My first solo run was a beer load from Williamsburg, VA to some small distributor in Massachusetts. Straight out of CDL school, and the O/O that I hired on with tossed me a set of keys and told me to pick up the trailer and get going. "Um, don't you want to ride along on this one?" "Nope, get going." Busch made sure I was loaded right to 80K. It's been downhill ever since.

 

You better believe I got butterflies my first run,second third and so on the first couple months.My very first run was to Canada of all places and never got trained for it.The butterflies will pass in time.

 

Did you get your trainers number?

 

Yes...your trainer is your most valuble resource. If you run into any problems or have questions, your trainer's phone number is definately one you want to have. It all can be a little overwhelming at first but will get easier as you go. Also, if you have a gps (even a truck specific one), use it as reference and confirmation only,do not follow it blindly. Always map out your route before you leave out.

 

I was scared Itless ! called my DM waiting for the first load and he said don't worry it's coming. then an hour later he say's deadhead to Flagstaff ! wind is blowing like crazy its raining and I'm empty, I get to Flagstaff and sit overnight and get sent to Phoenix, I was told all of these horror stories about Phoenix Terminal and the inspections and so forth. I get there they check my truck, put a new tire on the trailer and sent me on my way That night I started the odyssey from pheonix to Denver via California and down the mountain with No Jakes in the snow and no chains ! after that trip I could go anywhere anytime in any weather. so get in the truck light it up hold on and get after it you'll do fine.

 

My first solo with Werner was quite a trip. It was 500 miles and everything went well. My trip planning skills came into handy. Those were the good ole days when I had a fast 65 MPH truck lol.

 

No matter how long you train, the first time solo anywhere is going to be very new and exciting. You'll forget things, feel like its the first time you've ever seen some things take your time, hope for some slower rolling freight and you'll be fine.

 

I think I was more excited than nervous.

The first couple of months was a bit of a two steps forward one step back type of deal. Just when your confidence gets up there something will come up to remind you of how much you still have to learn. That still happens now, just less often.

A couple of simple rules I always keep in mind. When the unexpected comes up don't panic and never turn a small mistake into a big one. For example you are going to miss an exit or make a wrong turn. That's a minor mistake. Trying a u turn on the interstate or taking the first turn down whatever street you see can quickly make it a very big one.

Personally I have never been one to feel much pressure when starting something new as I figure perfection isn't expected out of the gate.

 

I was worried about staying awake, so I did what an old veteran had said, and chewed gum for most of my first solo OtR drive...It worked, but my jaws ached abominably for the next two days